OVERVIEW

2026 STAR Sensory Symposium is organized by STAR Institute for Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and will be held from Sep 25 - Oct 09, 2026.

Description:
This symposium delves into the critical connection between sensory integration and mental health, with a strong focus on how trauma affects the body, sensations, relationships, and daily experiences of belonging. It examines how patterns of safety, connection, and participation are formed over time through personal experiences, including interactions with healthcare, education, child welfare, and immigration systems, as well as community safety and global conflict. Participants will engage with innovative ideas that combine sensory experience, development, and relational health to better understand how individuals regulate, connect, and engage in daily life. The emphasis is on approaches that promote co-regulation, agency, and participation in a way that is tailored to each individual's developmental needs and grounded in real-world contexts.

This immersive, interdisciplinary experience is designed to enhance our understanding and support of the people we serve. Participants will improve their ability to interpret behavior in context, design effective interventions, and support meaningful participation in home, school, and community environments. The symposium prioritizes reflection, dialogue, and connection, recognizing that this work requires dedication, curiosity, and collaboration. By bringing together cutting-edge thinking in mental health and trauma with clinical expertise and personal experience, we can shape the future of care and make a lasting impact.